Skin Deep: A Photo Essay on Acid Attack Survivor Ritu

Beauty is a combination of qualities that pleases the aesthetic senses. This photo essay attempts to shatter the myth of beauty that is represented and manufactured by the mainstream media, an attempt to envision the quote “beauty isn’t skin deep.”

It features Ritu who works for a Cafe called ‘Sheroes Hangout’ which is managed by acid attack survivors in Agra. For a lot of acid attack survivors it is hard to find the courage to come out in the open, but Ritu is different. She is someone who loves to shop and used to be a national volley ball player. She has a very infectious smile, is extremely bubbly and talkative. These photographs are an attempt to capture her vivacious spirit and ability to enliven any situation.

Ritu at Sheroes Hangout.There is in true beauty, as in courage, something which narrow souls cannot dare to admire. – William CongreveShe refused to fit into the cultural stereotypes to fit this myth of beauty maybe that’s why she smiled when I captured this.Didn’t feel the need to caption this. The photo says it all.She wins who calls herself beautiful and challenges the world to change to truly see her. -Naomi WolfHanging on a wall I hear two portraits conversing, As they wait to be judged by everyone around. As beauty steps out of the frames, no longer hiding, Their voices resonate and leave the world spell bound.

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Feminism in India is an award-winning digital intersectional feminist platform to learn, educate and develop a feminist consciousness among the youth. It is required to unravel the F-word and demystify all the negativity surrounding it. FII amplifies the voices of women and marginalized communities using tools of art, media, culture, technology and community.